Schmidt will officially take over the duties of Lester Prairie k-12 principal when the contract starts July 1.

Schmidt currently teaches fifth grade in the Dassel-Cokato School District, where he has been employed for four years.

Prior to that, he taught fourth grade in St. Clair for three years. Before that, he taught in the Jackson County Central School District.

He said he has earned his administrator’s license and is working on a doctorate at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Schmidt said he is excited to have the opportunity to work in Lester Prairie.

His salary will be $73,000 the first year and $75,000 the second year, pending evaluation with set goals. In addition, Schmidt’s contract includes 15 days of sick leave, 15 days of vacation, and 12 holidays.

Schmidt’s hiring is part of an administrative change for Lester Prairie Schools.

Currently, Mike McNulty serves as superintendent and high school principal, and Pam Lukens serves as elementary principal.

Board Chair Bob Carlson noted after the meeting that when Lukens announced her retirement (she will continue to work for the district until August), it provided an opportunity to make some changes.

Carlson said McNulty has been busy with the major renovation project that is underway, which has taken time away from his other duties and has required some time away from the school.

Schmidt will take over as principal, which McNulty said will involve more of the day-to-day operations. McNulty will transition to strictly superintendent, and will take over administration of community education and Title programs, assuming some of the duties previously handled by Lukens.